Get a real-life glimpse into the world described in "Oku no Hosomichi" by the famous Japanese poet Matsuo Basho on the scenic Resort Shirakami trains. These extensive lines travel through the valleys and small villages of Japan’s northern Tohoku region, which is nearly overlooked by most tourists.
Moreover, the affordability and convenience of the Japan Rail Pass make traveling around Tohoku by train arguably one of the most economical options for exploring the area.
A scenic ride
Connecting Akita and Aomori prefectures via a five-hour ride, the Resort Shirakami train is a breathtaking line that runs alongside both the Sea of Japan and the Shirakami Sanchi highlands, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Although there are several scenic train lines in Tohoku, Resort Shirakami stands out not only for the panoramic views but also for its immersive cultural experiences. Brief explanations in both Japanese and English offer insight into the history of the breathtaking natural formations that characterize the area.
One of the best parts of the ride is that the train slows down at picturesque stops for photo-ops. You can see jagged rock formations jutting out from the ocean in front of you from the wide windows. From the flooded rice paddies and neat rows of leafy vegetables, local farmers with patterned hats often rise from their work to give you a gentle wave.
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© GaijinPot Travel
5 Comments
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dmatth
How do international travellers book a seat on Resort Shirakami, in advance ? The website is not really clear on this subject and I'd hate to land in J-land, try to book a seat for a few days hence only to find they're all booked out for weeks ahead !
dmatth
Update: on the JR EAST website found where it said "Tickets for the Resort Shirakami are not available for sale outside of Japan"
So we're stuck with "Available for sale at JR EAST Travel Service Centers at Tokyo, Shinjuku and other stations, as well as at your nearby Travel Service Centers (View Plaza)"
shinhiyata
The first sentence of this article is completely misleading. Train only goes as far south as Akita city. The closest Matsuo Basho ever got to Akita city was Kisakata in 1689, about 60km away.
Basho never visited Aomori. Please get your facts straight.
CrashTestDummy
The train from Enoshima to Kamakura is very nice train ride as well.